Jiang Shuyan listened to Cao Jiao's words and sighed deeply. His second sister-in-law did have a lot of complaints about them, but she was right.
Back then, Second Sister-in-law had been completely devoted to them. However, they knew full well that Second Sister-in-law was held hostage in Kyoto entirely because of them.
But even so, they never sent anyone to rescue her.
Looking back on that time, they really only cared about themselves and didn't consider the situation and safety of the second sister-in-law at all. Such behavior was really ungrateful.
"Since she desires this world so much, then let her wish be granted. With the military and financial resources she currently possesses, it is only a matter of time before she ascends the supreme throne."
However, Cao Jiao was not satisfied with this. After all, she also owned a state and was completely independent and in charge of her own affairs. Why should she submit to others?
However, what my husband said does make sense, and perhaps I really need to think about it carefully.
Imperial Palace
The day of the husband selection banquet finally arrived. After layers of screening, thirty candidates were finally selected for the empress to choose from.
Today, Jiang Zhixu was wearing a dark blue brocade robe, and his long hair, which was usually combed high, now fell on his shoulders like a waterfall.
He used a pure white jade hairpin to casually comb his hair into a simple bun, which made him look more elegant and steady, with a strong aura, as if he was a villain who had turned evil.
When Jin Linlin saw Jiang Zhixu's outfit from afar, she couldn't help but feel angry and almost bit her teeth.
"What on earth is this bastard trying to do by dressing so flashily?" she thought angrily.
Looking again, I saw a familiar face. It was Xie Yan from Yanzhou. He had the gentle and elegant temperament of a scholar, and was very pleasing to the eye.
The candidate for the empress agreed upon by the ministers was Pei Xuan, the son of the Minister of War. He was sixteen years old, of average appearance, generous and steady, and the only choice for the empress.
What the officials meant was that the queen must be from Shangjin. After being crowned queen, she could also restrain the concubines of the vassal states, and His Majesty could choose any other concubines as he pleased.
Jin Linlin also agreed that the management rights of the harem must be in the hands of one's own people.
Just as everyone was secretly complaining, Jin Linlin's imperial carriage slowly arrived. Everyone knelt in greeting. She glanced around and gently raised her hand to signal everyone to stand.
The husband-selection banquet officially began. During the talent show, Pei Xuan performed a set of vigorous spear techniques, winning rounds of applause.
Xie Yan, on the other hand, wrote a magnificent poem with his brush and ink, showing his literary grace. However, Jiang Zhixu stood quietly by, his eyes indifferent.
She looked at Jiang Zhixu like this, snorted coldly, and thought that he must not have any talents to show off.
However, when it was Jiang Zhixu's turn, he slowly walked to the center of the venue and played a tune on the piano. The melodious music was like crying and plaint, as if it could penetrate people's hearts.
Everyone was immersed in it, and the empress couldn't help but show a hint of appreciation.
Just as she was about to issue an imperial decree to crown the Empress or Consort, Jiang Zhixu slowly raised her head and stood up:
"Your Majesty, I am Jiang Zhixu, the King of Li. I am willing to exchange the land of Linhai Prefecture for your position as Queen. Please consider this."
Everyone was stunned when they heard this. Was Jiang Zhixu crazy? For the sake of the Empress's position, he was willing to give up Jinhaizhou and submit to the Shangjin Kingdom.
If the Shang Jin Kingdom could regain Linhai Prefecture, half of the world would belong to the Shang Jin Kingdom.
Jin Linlin's eyes widened, her heart filled with both surprise and joy. Linhai Prefecture was an extremely rich place; with it, the nation's strength would be greatly enhanced.
But she also knew that Jiang Zhixu would not give up the land so easily, there must be a trick. She looked at Jiang Zhixu calmly and asked:
"Lord Jiang is so generous, which surprises me. But why did he suddenly give Linhai Prefecture to me?"
Jiang Zhixu smiled slightly and said slowly, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful. It is my honor to have your favor. For me, Linhai Prefecture is worth it if I can exchange it for your company."
Jin Linlin thought to herself that his sweet talk might have other motives. At this moment, Pei Xuan stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, Jiang Zhixu's actions must be ulterior motives. Don't trust him."
Before Jin Linlin could respond, Jiang Zhixu said, "Your Majesty, please send someone to take over Linhai Prefecture first. If I have second thoughts, it will not be too late to deal with me later."
Jin Linlin frowned slightly, lost in thought. She wondered what Jiang Zhixu's intentions were. Why was she so obsessed with the position of empress?
After a while, Jin Linlin decided to test Jiang Zhixu's bottom line again, so she slowly said:
"Lord Jiang, I welcome your allegiance to the Shangjin Kingdom. If you wish, I can make you a prince to show my respect for you. What do you think?"
Jiang Zhixu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. He bowed slightly and answered in a neither humble nor arrogant manner:
"Your Majesty, I have no interest in the throne of prince. All I desire is your majesty's position as queen. As for the Kingdom of Li, I am willing to offer it to Your Majesty as a dowry. Wouldn't Your Majesty be getting a great deal by doing so?"
Before Jin Linlin could reply, the civil and military officials outside the palace could no longer hold back. Seeing Jiang Zhixu's sincerity, they all knelt down and made a suggestion:
"Your Majesty, since Lord Jiang is so sincere, I hope Your Majesty will agree!"
Jin Linlin couldn't help but feel annoyed when she saw this. She glared at the kneeling officials, thinking how foolish they were. How could they be so easily swayed by Jiang Zhixu's words?
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
